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E3 will be back in L.A. this year as well | Photo by Joits via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Microsoft has decided on Los Angeles for next year's Worldwide Partner Conference, which will bring around 15,000 people to the city, generating 50,000 hotel room nights and $45 million local spending, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced today. The move comes as the city tries to also woo Comic-Con.
"LA is a dynamic, exciting city that inspires creativity and innovation," said Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer. "It's an ideal setting for our global community of 15,000 partners from 120 countries to share their ideas and energy for technology and business
opportunities in the years ahead. We look forward to furthering our long, rewarding relationship with the city and community and are sure our partners and employees will make the most of their time in LA."
Comic-Con draws 125,000 visitors, but spending isn't much more than the usual Microsoft crowd at $60 million. Still, L.A. officials hope to draw the insanely popular convention, as well as Anaheim and San Diego, which hopes to keep it there when the current contract expires in 2012.
Microsoft's conference will take place July 10-14, 2011
